Survey: Ontarians staying away from the pumps

Fifty percent of Ontarians are steering away from the gas pumps due to the increased gas tax claims, a recent survey by Ipsos Reid on behalf of Retire Your Ride, Canada's national vehicle recycling program.

For three weeks Ontarians have dealt with the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), for drivers that tax increase is eight per cent more at the pumps. That higher hit to the wallet has three in five lower income families (families earning less than $30,000) avoiding the lines as they drive less often. "The effects of the harmonized sales tax on gasoline prices, combined with the environmental conscience of Ontarians, have caused drivers to re-think their transportation habits," said Rebecca Spring, program manager at Summerhill Impact, Ontario delivery agent for Retire Your Ride in a press release. "Shifting to more sustainable forms of transportation is both a responsible environmental decision and a win for the wallets of Ontarians." For Ontarians with a 1995 model year or older car, the increased fuel price may just be the breaking point money wise. These individuals already may struggle with higher than average maintenance costs and more frequent trips to the mechanic. Before the HST increase motorists in Ontario paid five per cent GST on gas, now they are paying an additional eight per cent during each fill up. That higher cost has quite a few in the province rethinking how they get around. Forty-four percent of survey respondents claim they are likely to use sustainable modes of transportation more often. - 32 percent will walk - 16 percent will ride a bike - 12 percent will use public transit - 12 percent will carpool - 8 percent will car share "For those Ontarians who own model-year 1995 and older vehicles and who are looking to save money by switching to a more sustainable mode of transportation like biking, transit or car sharing, Retire Your Ride can help," said Spring. "Program participants that take advantage of our discounts have the freedom to experiment with new transportation options without making a large financial commitment." The program offers incentives to Ontarians who want to retire their cars: - Bicycles - A discount of $350 to $490 off of a high end commuter bicycle as well as up to 15% off parts and services - Transit Passes - Free transit passes in some municipalities - Car Share - Discounts off AutoShare rates and memberships - Cash - $300 cash Retire Your Ride is a national program designed to effectively and efficiently retire 1995 model year or older vehicles in an environmentally responsible manner, in an effort to improve air quality and encourage the use of sustainable transportation.